If you're ignoring speculative fiction, you're missing out on your company's future—and maybe its survival. Summary: In this episode of Synthetic Minds, S.B. Divya, a speculative fiction author and AI researcher, delves into the intersection of technology, ethics, and the future of humanity. Her works like Machinehood offer more than captivating narratives; they serve as strategic blueprints for businesses navigating the complexities of AI and automation. Divya highlights how speculative fiction allows organizations to explore "what if" scenarios, helping leaders anticipate the ethical challenges AI will bring. AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a potential ethical minefield, raising issues around bias, surveillance, and autonomy. By employing futures thinking, businesses can better prepare for long-term impacts, ensuring ethical foresight is part of their strategy. With AI shaping everything from work to identity, are you ready to explore the possible futures of your company? About S.B. Divya S.B. Divya (she/any) is a lover of science, math, fiction, and the Oxford comma. She is a Nebula, Hugo, Ignyte, and Locus Award finalist and the author of novels Runtime and Machinehood. Her short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, and she is a former editor of Escape Pod, the weekly science fiction podcast. Divya holds degrees in Computational Neuroscience and Signal Processing.

If you think you’re in control of your decisions, you might want to ask your AI assistant who’s really pulling the strings. Dr. Louis Rosenberg, a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality, warns that as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it threatens human autonomy. In a discussion on the Synthetic Minds podcast, Rosenberg explores how conversational AI can subtly influence human behavior, from steering consumer choices to predicting personal preferences. The convenience of AI may come at the cost of our ability to make independent decisions, as algorithms quietly shape our lives. Dr. Rosenberg highlights concerns over "conversational advertising" and the ethical dilemmas that arise when AI-driven interactions blur the line between genuine human choices and AI manipulation. The conversation calls for stricter AI regulations and transparency to protect personal agency. Will we act before AI turns our decisions into predictable algorithmic outputs, or is free will already slipping from our grasp? Dr. Louis Rosenberg is a computer scientist, author, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is best known as an early pioneer of virtual reality, mixed reality, and haptics, and as a longtime AI researcher of Swarm Intelligence. Since 2014, Rosenberg has been CEO and Chief Scientist of Unanimous AI, a company that amplifies group intelligence in pursuit of Collective Superintelligence. His books about AI include Upgrade, Monkey Room, Arrival Mind and Our Next Reality. Rosenberg also writes for major publications about the dangers of technology.

In episode nine of the “Synthetic Minds, podcast, we explore the complex relationship between digital rights, privacy, and technology with Cory Doctorow, a renowned science fiction author and digital rights activist. Doctorow delves into how privacy, once a fundamental right, has become a commodity in the digital age, traded by tech giants for profit. He discusses the growing influence of AI-driven surveillance and the erosion of privacy laws, which has left individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Doctorow also examines the consequences of platform dominance, where companies like Google and Amazon gradually degrade their services to maximize profits. This conversation is crucial for businesses that rely on these platforms, highlighting the risks of dependency and the need for diversification and innovation. Finally, Doctorow shares how science fiction serves as a powerful tool for imagining alternative futures and challenging the status quo. His insights encourage businesses to embrace forward-thinking strategies that anticipate and adapt to future challenges. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain valuable insights on navigating the digital landscape and safeguarding your organization’s future in an increasingly tech-driven world. About Cory Doctorow: Cory Doctorow (craphound.com) is a science fiction author, activist and journalist. He is the author of many books, most recently THE BEZZLE (a followup to RED TEAM BLUES) and THE LOST CAUSE, a solarpunk science fiction novel of hope amidst the climate emergency. His most recent nonfiction book is THE INTERNET CON: HOW TO SEIZE THE MEANS OF COMPUTATION, a Big Tech disassembly manual. Other recent books include RED TEAM BLUES, a science fiction crime thriller; CHOKEPOINT CAPITALISM, nonfiction about monopoly and creative labor markets; the LITTLE BROTHER series for young adults; IN REAL LIFE, a graphic novel; and the picture book POESY THE MONSTER SLAYER. In 2020, he was inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. You can listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform or on TheDigitalSpeaker.com: https://www.thedigitalspeaker.com/podcasts-the-synthetic-minds-podcast/